Hah, I was worried about this when I read it in the service manual. The car has two fuel tanks, one on each side. There is a pump which makes sure they are even. When you fill up, obviously if the pump quits, it only fills half the tank. If you pumped really slowly you should be able to fill it all the way.

Check your fuses, hope it's not the pump! It can't be a common problem.

Originally posted by cymorg@Jun 21 2005, 08:17 PMi had the same problem, i just move the pump handle/nozzle around when im pumping and find a spot where it wont click off early

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Yep. either that or it is the valve (can't remember the name) that allows the pressure to equalize in the gas tank. If this valve is broken and stuck closed then you have to stop pumping gas to allow the pressure to go down in the tank so you can add more fuel. Try the above first, if that doesn't work then it might be this valve. But it doesn't go bad often. In fact I have yet to hear of a bad valve. But you may be the first.

I had that problem too - but I isolated it to the pump itself. Either go to a new gas pump or jiggle it until you find a spot where it will go, as previously mentioned. I did not know e36's had two tanks with a connecting valve... interesting...

DeefNDorf, have you picked up gas again? I didn't know the key would do this. I often leave mine in the ignition, but in the 0 position. The owners manual says the OBC won't calculate fuel capacity if the ignition is on during refueling, but doesn't mention the transfer pump.

The Bentley manual is worth the money, if you intend to work on, or troubleshoot anything in the car. I picked mine up for $50 or so from Amazon.